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Today in AP Biology, we did not get our recent tests back, but we did begin a new chapter. We took a plethora of notes on chapter 6 material. Chapter 6 describes the cell: the basic unit of life. Why do we study cells? We must understand cells in order to make sense of any other forms of life on earth through reductionism. In addition, cells account for much of the diversity and unity on earth, since everything is made from cells. The cell is the smallest organism that can perform all of the necessities of life: reproduction, growth and development, energy utilization, response to environment, and homeostasis. The class learned that cells are studied through the lenses of a microscope. There are various different kinds of microscopes that can are used for different reasons. The light microscope is used for bigger subject matters. The electron microscope is used for smaller subject matters because it can magnify objects about a 100 times greater than light microscopes. The electron microscope is capable of revealing organelles under its lens, but can only be used on dead cells. The summer reading, described the use of an electron microscope to scrutinize an Ebola virus. The electron microscope enabled the researchers to see the thread virus and its characteristic cheerio shape. The modern marvels of technology enlarges the wealth of knowledge in the science world and enables scientists to form a hypothesis and eventually an answer faster than when electron microscopes where not around. The other two electron microscopes are transmission electron microscopes, used to study the internal structures of cells, and scanning electron microscopes, used to study surface structures. The notes then discussed how organelles can be isolated. Of the isolated organelles, the nucleus is the heaviest and ribsomes are the lightest. This process is called cell fractionation using an ultracentrifuge (spins up to 130,000 rpm) and a micro centrifuge (used from biotechnology). Our teacher then showed us a working micro centrifuge and relayed his plans to purchase a bright green micro centrifuge in the future as well as a lab in which we would be using the centrifuge.
The next major section of our notes focused on cell characteristics. All cells have some fundamentals in common: they are surrounded by a plasma membrane, have a cytosol, contain chromosomes, and have ribosomes. Then the notes pointed out some differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and less complex than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and contain DNA in their nucleoid region. Eukaryotic cells contain specialized structures for specialized functions. Eukaryotic cells are present in the plant and animal kingdom. Next class, I’m sure that we will go into further detail regarding cells and how provide a basis for life on earth.
Today, many people hear about the importance of cells by medicine and research. Stem cell research is discussed everywhere from magazines to the news. Stem cells will inevitably lead to increased treatments and possibly cures. Understanding cells and their basic characteristics help scientists unlock new inventions and knowledge daily. For more information about cells and study tools visit this website http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Life/cell_intro.html.
